Published: 23/12/2025 By Sam Haskell
Persistence beats resistance as the government has announced a significant increase to inheritance tax reliefs for farmers and business owners, raising the threshold for full Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and Business Property Relief (BPR) from £1 million to £2.5 million per estate. The change, due to take effect from 6th April 2026, follows strong representations from the farming and rural business community after concerns were raised about the impact of the previous threshold. Some may say the revised increase isn’t enough.Under the revised rules, qualifying agricultural and business assets up to £2.5 million will continue to benefit from 100% inheritance tax relief, with assets above this level receiving 50% relief. The allowance will also be transferable between spouses or civil partners, enabling couples to pass on up to £5 million of qualifying assets tax-free.
Through their daily dealings with clients, Symonds & Sampson’s rural experts have firsthand knowledge of how the Government’s original IHT proposals have caused serious concern throughout the agricultural industry. This announcement, therefore, brings some relief and will be widely welcomed.
Full details of the press release can be reviewed on the gov.uk website
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